It goes without saying that it’s almost impossible to function and efficiently hit your targets when your eyes just want to drop. Not having enough sleep can be a stressful situation.

On top of not being effective enough to get things done, people who are drowsy are often more exposed to emotional and physical vulnerability.

(Img Courtesy: NectarSleep)

In other words, not getting sufficient shut-eye leaves an impact that transcends feeling sluggish and sickly. On that note, we’ve taken the liberty to list down the many things that happen when you don’t get enough rest.

Here are 7 ways sleep troubles damage other aspects of your life:

1.  Not sleeping enough easily makes anyone susceptible to getting ill.

When was the last time you had to skip work to stay in bed and get rid of a bug? Granted that the advancement of technology and civilization has increased tenfold in the last couple of years, unhealthy environments—both mentally and earthly—continue to thrive as well.

With all that’s going on, it really isn’t difficult for any of us to stay fit and sharp all the time; let alone lead a life free from toxins, both mentally and bodily.

Particular research recently concluded that not getting at least five hours of sleep a night is associated with using more sick leaves.

The study mentions that employees who are able to catch seven to eight hours of rest are less likely to ditch work to stay home and recuperate compared to their sleep-deprived colleagues who spend 4 to 8 more days at home because of not feeling well.

This correlation remained despite having considered health and other important factors that may have contributed to the number of sick leaves used. That noted it’s needless to say that the lack of sleep creeps up on us in more ways than one.

So if it’s reading a book or getting into a hobby that accommodates your sleepiness much earlier on, attempt to re-acquaint yourself with your body and figure out what works for you and what lets you sleep quicker and better.

2. Not getting enough sleep is hurting the economy

Given that sickly people are more prone to using their leaves at work, it’s only logical for this to be the second on our list. Whether you work as a determined freelancer or a faithful employee, every minute not spent working is minute that doesn’t financially contribute to the economy—of course, that’s not to say that everyone should be working every waking second of their lives, no.

A great work-life balance is important to maintain sanity and inspiration. But the moment an individual doesn’t perform well at work is the time that’s spent on leaving an impact on collective society earnings.

A study suggests that being deprived of sleep could be costing Americans billions and billions of US dollars every year because of missed productivity. In that regard, those who encounter some form of sleep trouble cost employers roughly 7 to 8 work days of meaningful progress each year.

Interestingly, there are plenty of things that may hinder individuals from enjoying most of what they can from a good night’s sleep. Whatever your case, don’t be hesitant to seek advice from the experts.

You’ll never actually know if what you need is the best pillow for side sleepers or the leading, most comfortable queen size bed mattress there is. Oftentimes, it’s a change in sleeping patterns and arrangements that improve things for a person. There are plenty of sleep experts you can get answers from. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help.

3. Not getting enough sleep robs you from creativity

Rest is often associated with the capacity to be creative, and being deprived of it is easily tied to the inability to perform mentally well. This is why everyone needs a break every now and then. It’s tremendously easy to feel drained and become exhausted from thinking too much.

This is also the reason for the increasing rate of adult tantrums in the last decade. Pop psychology dictates that the more people are overworked, the more prone they are to lashing out and losing their cool, what more the ability to be inventive.

A solution to this is simple. Because the change in the working landscape has also allowed for more work set-ups to prosper, more diverse and interesting work ethics and values have also evolved. If you’re the one who doesn’t subscribe to the normal office stereotype, come up with an established work time frame that suits you.

Ask yourself, time and again, “what time should I wake up?” and stick to a routine. Change whatever doesn’t work, if you must. But always see to it that you’re hitting your metrics and ticking off goals on your to-do list.

4. Sleep deprivation can take a toll on your passions

Now is the best time to be a much louder and firmer advocate for whatever you campaign for. So much in the world needs voicing out and lobbying after.

Consequently, people’s skills, interests, and talents have also complimented the many things by which we can express what we are passionate about. But how can we do all that if we don’t have enough energy? Food and caffeine can only do so much.

Whether you’re an environmentalist or an activist for people’s rights, things like these are better channeled when you’re well-rested. Whether you’re helping someone find out where to buy eco friendly mattress, or educating them about the perils of silenced minorities and ignored basic rights, every single movement matters.

Know that you’re better able to help others when you’re able to think on your feet.

(Img Courtesy: NectarSleep)

5. The lack of sleep can be a sign of depression

Several sleep disorders can all be linked to symptoms of depression. Not too long ago, a study mentioned that people who were diagnosed with anxiety and depression were more likely to not have sufficient sleep, meaning less than six hours at least.

Furthermore, it’s also been discovered that those who suffer from failing to fall asleep when desired are five times more likely to be depressed. This comes as no surprise since insomnia is among the initial symptoms of depression.

Put simply, depression, insomnia, and other sleep disorders only fuel each other. Sleep deprivation only worsens the early signs of depression, thus such a cycle ensues. Positively, treating sleep troubles and engaging in a more active lifestyle helps counter that. If symptoms persist, it’s best to see a doctor.

6. Not sleeping enough makes your skin age faster

If you think missing sleep causes extra puffy eyes and pale skin, you’re right. But the truth is, not getting enough sleep gives you more than just dark eyes and dull skin. It allows for dark circles, fine lines and muted skin to be more visible, too.

You see, when you sleep less, your body naturally releases more cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. In excess extents, cortisol can ruin the protein that keeps your skin elastic and smooth.

At the same time, not getting enough sleep also limits the release of human growth hormone. When someone is young, the growth hormone improves—well—growth. But when we’re much older, this hormone aids in thickening skin, increasing muscle mass and strengthening bones.

If you’re one who puts a premium on the promises youthful skin provides, it’s imperative that you sleep more. 

7. Sleep can destroy your memory

Are you in an industry that calls for having to memorize names, dates and places? Then make sure you get enough sleep.

Here’s an amusing trivia: the brain events that function in one’s mind are referred to as sharp wave ripples. These ripples are the ones in charge of consolidating memory and relaying learned data from one part of the brain to another.

In other words, these sharp wave ripples are responsible for making sure long-term memories stay in the neocortex of the brain. The catch is this: these ripples develop only—if not mostly—during one’s deepest level of sleep.

All these points mentioned only strengthen the importance of an established snooze-fest. So go get some sleep!  If your sleep is interrupted or you constantly feel tired, contact Alaska Sleep Clinic today for your free sleep assessment.